Puppy Sling
Puppy Sling Dog Carrier, Reversible Hands-Free Pet Sling for Small Dogs and Cats up to 5.4 kg, Black
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A puppy sling keeps your new puppy snug against you while you head out to see the world. It is made for the weeks before your puppy can walk on public ground, and for tired little legs after that. Choose a sling with a soft padded base, a short clip that attaches to a puppy harness, and a weight limit that leaves room for growth, as most puppies outgrow their first sling within a few months.
Why Carry a Puppy in a Sling?
Puppies learn most about the world while they are very young. A UK not for profit vet group describes the key socialisation window as 3 to 14 weeks old, and suggests carrying your puppy on walks if they are not fully vaccinated yet, because waiting may be too late for this learning. The problem is that many puppies cannot walk on public ground until at least two weeks after their second set of vaccinations. A sling bridges that gap without tired arms.
Your puppy sees buses, bikes and people from the safety of your body.
Paws stay away from pavements and parks until your vet gives the all clear.
Treats, poo bags and a coffee all stay within reach.
Later on, small pups can walk a little then ride home.
A Simple First Outings Plan
A UK vet charity suggests building up gently with traffic, people and other dogs seen from a distance, pairing each new thing with a treat and taking your puppy home if they become overwhelmed.
| Week | Where to go | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Indoors and the garden | Let your puppy sniff the sling, then sit in it for a minute or two while you stand still |
| Week 1 | Your street at a quiet time | Ten minute walks, cars passing, a neighbour saying hello from a distance |
| Week 2 | Local shops, school run, bus stop | Prams, bikes, umbrellas, people in hats and coats |
| Week 3 onwards | Busier high streets, a short train or bus trip | Louder sounds and crowds, with plenty of quiet breaks |
Keep outings short, around ten to twenty minutes to start, and let your puppy sleep afterwards. Signs your puppy has had enough include yawning, lip licking, trembling or trying to burrow out of sight.
Getting the Fit Right as Your Puppy Grows
Puppies gain weight fast. Hold your puppy on the scales and take away your own weight.
From the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Your puppy should sit or lie without being folded tight.
Fit a soft puppy harness under the sling clip, and loosen the straps as your puppy grows.
Pick a sling rated well above your puppy's current weight, especially for medium and large breeds, who grow very quickly. Once your puppy is too heavy to carry comfortably on one shoulder, it is time to switch to walking on a lead.
Puppy Sling Safety
- Clip to a harness, not a collar. Puppies wriggle and can leap without warning. A short clip on a harness keeps them in.
- Support the bottom. Keep one hand under your puppy whenever you bend down or climb steps.
- Mind the temperature. Puppies warm up fast against your body in summer and lose heat fast in a cold wind. Check them often.
- Toilet first. Pop your puppy in the garden before you set off, and line the sling with a washable pad on longer trips.
- Keep it positive. Never force a nervous puppy into the sling. Use treats and short sessions so it becomes a happy place.
Can a Puppy Travel in a Sling in the Car?
No. A sling is for carrying on foot and is not a car restraint. Highway Code Rule 57 asks drivers to keep dogs suitably restrained, for example with a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard. For the drive home from the breeder or the vet, use a puppy car seat or a secured car seat carrier with a car harness.
Keeping the Sling Clean
Puppies have accidents, so choose a sling that can be washed. Shake it out after each outing, wash it on a gentle cycle following the care label, and let it dry fully before use. A thin washable liner, like the ones in our dog crate mat range, can sit in the base to catch spills.
Puppy Sling Questions
When can I start using a puppy sling?
As soon as your puppy has settled in at home. Introduce the sling indoors first, then take short trips outside. Ask your vet which places are safe before vaccinations are complete.
Can my puppy touch the ground while in the sling?
Keep your puppy in the sling and off public ground until your vet says it is safe, which is often around two weeks after the second set of vaccinations.
How long can a puppy stay in a sling?
Start with ten to twenty minutes and build up slowly. Young puppies need lots of sleep, so plan quiet time at home after every outing.
Is a sling suitable for large breed puppies?
Only for a short time. Large breed puppies grow quickly, so a sling may only work for a few weeks. Check the weight limit and switch to lead walking once your vet says your puppy can go out.
Can I use a puppy sling in the car?
No. A sling is not a car restraint. Use a secured carrier or puppy car seat with a harness, as Highway Code Rule 57 asks drivers to keep dogs suitably restrained.
Bringing a new puppy home? Send us your puppy's breed, age and weight on WhatsApp and we will help you choose the right size.